Backfiring in Race Relations and Markets

Abstract

This paper examines backfiring arguments in race relations discourse in light of similar arguments regarding market interventions. As collective action problems drive backfiring phenomena in markets, this article argues explores the proposition that collective action problems similarly drive racial stratification, and tests the explanatory value of this hypothesis against affirmative action controversies. The implications drawn out by this article include the affinities between certain game theoretic constructs and notions of the dialectic, as well as the misguided limitations on remedial scope and over-reliance on intent in current anti-discrimination doctrine.